The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs now head towards a blockbuster Qualifier 2 clash where Gujarat Titans will take on Rajasthan Royals at New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) on Friday, May 29.

The winner of this high-voltage encounter will book a ticket to the grand final, while the loser’s journey in the tournament will come to an end. Two exceptional sides with completely different journeys so far will once again battle it out for a place in the IPL 2026 final.

GT vs RR match preview

Gujarat Titans are coming into this clash after a nightmare outing against RCB in Qualifier 1.

Their bowling lineup featuring experienced campaigners like Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan was completely outplayed. Meanwhile, the batting department led by Shubman Gill and featuring Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler crumbled under pressure during a massive chase.

However, the kind of players this side has, they know exactly how to bounce back and have all the capabilities to do so, especially on the grand stage.

Now coming to Rajasthan Royals, RR on the back of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s brilliance demonstrated their batting strength in the Eliminator clash against SRH.

Most of their batters clicked at the right time and ensured the side entered this clash with massive confidence.

With the match once again set to be played at the same venue in Mullanpur, Rajasthan Royals will certainly back themselves if the surface remains similar to the previous encounter. Their explosive batting lineup can really go hard against the Gujarat Titans bowling attack.

However, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s batting form has remained a major question mark and all eyes will once again be on how he handles pressure situations in such a crucial knockout fixture.

In the bowling department, Jofra Archer has been doing a phenomenal job throughout the tournament by consistently taking wickets in the powerplay with his pace and bounce. Nandre Burger has also returned to the side and clicked brilliantly. Meanwhile, experienced campaigners like Ravindra Jadeja could play a crucial role in the middle overs and help Rajasthan Royals control the game under pressure situations.

GT vs RR head-to-head record

Matches Played: 10
GT Won: 7
RR Won: 3

No Result: 0

gt vs rr key players

Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan has been one of the most consistent batters throughout the tournament, giving his side the crucial starts they needed. In 15 matches, the young left-hander has already accumulated 652 runs with a healthy strike rate of 157.

He is known for his elegant batting style and ability to find the gaps at the right time. Sai Sudharsan can take on pacers brilliantly and clear the ropes whenever required. If he stays at the crease for a long period, he can become extremely dangerous for the Rajasthan Royals bowlers.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is turning out to be a global superstar in the cricketing world with his extraordinary batting abilities. The youngster is already making headlines worldwide and a similar example was witnessed during the Eliminator clash when he took down the SRH bowlers for fun, smashing 97 runs in just around 29 balls.

He has also gone past some legendary records, including Chris Gayle’s tally for most sixes in a single IPL season. If Vaibhav Sooryavanshi manages to stay at the crease even for 20-30 balls, he can completely take the game away from the opposition.

Jason Holder

Jason Holder arrived as a replacement for Glenn Phillips midway through the tournament and has turned out to be the trump card for Gujarat Titans. With his excellent bowling, tall frame and clever variations in the middle overs, he has consistently picked up wickets in crucial moments.

The West Indian all-rounder has also contributed important runs in a few pressure matches lower down the order. Holder will once again have a massive responsibility on his shoulders heading into this knockout encounter.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer has been absolutely lethal this season, especially during the powerplay overs. The English pacer already has 24 wickets in the tournament with an economy rate of just above 9 and has consistently dismantled top orders with his pace and bounce.

If Rajasthan Royals want to start strongly with the ball once again, Archer’s performance with the new ball could become the biggest deciding factor.

GT vs RR Predicted Playing XIs

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja.

Impact Player: Shubham Dubey

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Impact Player: Rahul Tewatia

GT vs RR match prediction

On the points table, Gujarat Titans finished above Rajasthan Royals and clearly played better cricket throughout the tournament than RR. However, there are a few important factors that could influence this contest heavily.

GT are coming into this clash after a disappointing defeat, whereas Rajasthan Royals are entering Qualifier 2 after a massive confidence-boosting win in the Eliminator.

Moreover, the match is once again set to be played in Mullanpur where high-scoring games have been very common this season. RR possess an explosive batting lineup, especially with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who can challenge any bowling attack on his day.

Another major factor is that Rajasthan Royals have already played at this venue recently and understand the conditions much better heading into this clash.

Historically, teams losing Qualifier 1 often bounce back strongly and go on to win Qualifier 2. However, this time things could turn out slightly differently.

Considering the momentum, confidence and explosive batting firepower, Rajasthan Royals might just edge Gujarat Titans in this massive knockout clash and qualify for the IPL 2026 final.

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals to win the GT vs RR match